Light choice

[Mark75]

Total output: 192W

Supports: 2 x 96W CF, 3 x Double Bluemoon LED

Fixture Size: 35.25" x 7" x 2.75"

Ballast Type: Internal Electronic

Power Cords: 3

On/Off switch: 3

Cooling Fan: 2 Built-In

Splash Protection: Acrylic Lens

Mounting Leg: Included (Max Reach: 36")

Hanging Kit: None

Type of Bulb: Straight Pin CF

Free item pre-installed to the fixture is 1x 96W CF 12000K bulb, 1x96W CF Actinic Blue bulb, 3xBluemoon LED. No substitution available for free item.
[url]http://www.aquatraders.com/ProductImages/lighting/compact/Nobrand%2036%20192W%20CF.gif[/URL] Is this a good choice of lighting on a 30 long? Would this limit the species I could keep?

 

[kau_cinta_ku]

depends on what you want to keep. you'll be fine with softies and some LPS but IMO I would looking into a diff. brand fixture as you will have to replace the bulbs right away and the fans go out in the fixture soon after.

 

[Mark75]

Replace the bulbs right away because they do not last long or because they are not good from the beginning? What light do you like for my tank? Thanks for your input!

 

[snulma1]

Mark,

If you look at aquatraders MH fixtures, they are pretty good! and cheap! you will have to replace the ballast eventually due to it being under powered. But for the money....Its great!

 

[kuoka]

The light is the most important part of a reef tank IMO. I started with power compacts which was fine but recently moved to MH. The difference is night and day. Knowing this now, I wish I would've saved my money the first time and went straight with the MH. Now I have a PC collecting dust! LOL

If I were you, I'd seriously consider what kind of animals you'll be keeping and buy the right light the first time.

 

[Mark75]

Will a 150watt MH alone give off the right light? Pleasant to look at and healthy spectrum for the corals or does it need to be supplemented with actinics?

 

[kuoka]

It depends on how deep your tank is. I have a 72gal that is 24" deep (I believe) and my 150w is fine. The actinics don't really do much for the corals, it just gives the water a bluer look to it. To see the difference, ask your LFS to turn off the actinics in one of their displays. Some people prefer the 'white' look to it, I personally like the blue look so I went with actinics with my MH.

 

[Mark75]

I think I have decided to go with this one.

Total output 380W.

Approx Fixture Size: 24"L x 15"W x 3"H
System Support: 1x250W HQI, 2x65W CF, and 2xBluemoon LED

Odyssea Metal Halide System (Electronic Version) features:

non-corrosive powder coated housing
extra large built-in cooling fans
1x external electronic HQI ballasts
2x internal electronic CF ballast
individual power cords
tempered glass splash guard
mounting brackets

 

[sabbath]

My vote is for the MH as well. It looks so natural will the shimmering that it creates.

 

[kuoka]

Sounds like a great light. Good luck!